Russell Brand has confirmed he is to be a father.
The 41-year-old comedian and girlfriend Laura Gallacher were reported in May to be expecting their first baby in September, and now the ‘Arthur’ actor – who was previously married to Katy Perry – has revealed he is doing some preparation for impending fatherhood.
He shared a picture of himself reading Dean Beaumont’s ‘The Expectant Dad’s Handbook’ on Instagram and wrote: "Right then. My Mum bought me this. Time to get ready! #trewlit #bookstagram #parenting (sic)"
And his Instagram biography now reads: "Come join my #trewLit book club – currently reading The Expectant Dad’s Handbook! (sic)"
As well as preparing for fatherhood, it was recently claimed Russell and Laura, 28, are planning to marry.
The couple announced their happy news to friends and family with a low-key party two weeks ago.
A source said: "Russell didn’t want a big fuss this time after his very public relationship with Katy. Laura is also keen to keep their romance low-key, so the small, intimate party was very much in keeping with their ‘homebods’ image.
"As they are becoming parents, Russell wanted to do the right thing and make Laura his wife. She’s delighted he asked."
Guests at the party – which was held at their riverside property in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, south west England – included Laura’s TV presenter sister Kirsty and actress Susie Amy.
Russell and Laura, 27, previously dated in 2007 and 2009 and rekindled their romance last year on a romantic trip to Rome, Italy, before moving in together at the start of the year.
Russell Brand confirms baby news
